“computer software”

Chapter III - Incomes Not IncludedSection 10BSection 10B Explanation 2 / Section 80HHF951 judgments

The decision most relied on for computer software is Engineering Analysis Centre of Excellence (P) Ltd. v. CIT (432 ITR 471), cited in 914 judgments on BharatTax.

Leading authorities on computer software

Engineering Analysis Centre of Excellence (P) Ltd. v. CIT

432 ITR 471 · 2021 · Supreme Court

914

citing judgments

Payments for the supply or use of computer software, where there is no transfer of copyright but only a right to use the copyrighted product, are generally considered business profits and not 'royalty' or 'fees for technical services' under the Income Tax Act, 1961 or relevant DTAAs. This principle also applies to transponder fees, which are not taxable as royalty.

CIT v. Samsung Electronics Ltd.

345 ITR 494 · 2012 · High Court

461

citing judgments

Payments by Indian residents to non-resident foreign software suppliers for software are considered royalty, constituting income deemed to accrue in India under section 9(1)(v), thereby requiring tax deduction at source under section 195.

DIT v. Infrasoft Ltd.

39 Taxmann.com 88 · 2013 · High Court

269

citing judgments

Payments for the use of copyrighted software, without the transfer of any rights in the underlying copyright itself, do not constitute 'royalty' under the Income-tax Act or tax treaties. Such payments are often treated as business income, taxable only if a permanent establishment exists.

III v. HCL Technologies Ltd.

93 Taxmann.com 33 · 2018 · Supreme Court

245

citing judgments

When computing the deduction available under Section 10A of the Income-tax Act, communication expenses must be excluded from the total turnover for the purpose of calculating the eligible relief.

CIT v. Synopsis International Old Ltd.

212 Taxmann 454 · 2013 · High Court

177

citing judgments

Payments for computer software are treated as royalty income under Section 9(1)(vi) of the Income-tax Act, particularly concerning the expanded definition provided by Explanation 2 and Explanation 4.

CIT v. Asahi India Safety Glass Ltd.

346 ITR 329 · 2012 · High Court

129

citing judgments

Expenses incurred for software license purchase, development of miscellaneous software, and maintenance of websites are considered revenue in nature. Such expenses are deductible in the year they are incurred.

Amway India Enterprises v. DCIT

111 ITD 112 · 2008 · ITAT

127

citing judgments

Depreciation is allowable on computer software, including software licenses, at the rate of 60%.

Kotak Mahindra Primus Ltd. v. DDIT

11 SOT 578 · 2007 · ITAT

citing judgments

Payments for data processing services using a mainframe computer and specialized software are not taxable as fees for the use of equipment if the Indian entity lacks independent rights or physical access to use the computer or software.

Judgments citing computer software

Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax(It)-2(1)-2 Mumbai, Mumbai vs. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, Mumbai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 3455/MUM/2025[2021-22]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai17 Dec 2025AY 2021-22

Bench: SHRI AMIT SHUKLA (Judicial Member), SHRI GIRISH AGRAWAL (Accountant Member)

Section 143(3)Section 195Section 195(2)

background of the case submitted that the amounts in question cannot be regarded as payment for the use of copyright of literary work (computer software) as held by the Assessing Officer. In fact, it is purely for providing common policies, guidance relating to brand, communications and other aspects and collaboration ... network. The software acquired by the network and distributed to the members does not include payment for use of or right to use computer software as it has merely obtained a licenced product from vendors for use of member firms. The licensee was allowed to use the software only

Ca (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Mumbai vs. Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax International Taxation Circle 2(1)(1), Mumbai

In the result, the appeal of the assessee partly allowed

ITA 2078/MUM/2025[2022-23]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai16 Dec 2025AY 2022-23

Bench: Ms Suchitra Kamble & Shri Girish Agrawalca(Singapore) Pte Ltd., The Assistant Vs. C/O Ca (India) Technologies Commissioner Of India Private Limited, Income Tax, S1 Wipro Sez, International Taxation, Doddathogur Village, Circle2 (1)(1), Begur Hobli, Mumbai. Electronic City, Bangalore-560100. [Pan :Aahcc8349Q] (Appellant) .. (Respondent) Appellant By : Shri Ajit Jain, With Shri, Siddesh Chaugule, Ars Respondent By: Shri Krishna Kumar, Sr. Dr Date Of Hearing 17.09.2025 Date Of Pronouncement 16.12.2025 O R D E R Per Suchitra Kamble:

For Appellant: Shri Ajit Jain, with Shri, Siddesh Chaugule, ARsFor Respondent: Shri Krishna Kumar, Sr. DR

Section 142(1)Section 142(2)Section 143(2)Section 143(3)Section 195Section 270ASection 274

various recorded dates through the compliance portal of the Income Tax Separtment. The assessee is engaged in the business of distribution of computer software products related services and specialised services. During the previous year relevant to AY 2022-23, the assessee has received

Cnb Finwiz Private Limited, Delhi vs. ACIT, Circle-6(1), Delhi

In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed

ITA 4460/DEL/2025[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi16 Dec 2025AY 2017-18

Bench: Shrimahavir Singh, Hon’Ble & Shrisanjay Awasthiआ.अ.सं/.I.T.A No.4460/Del/2025 िनधा"रणवष"/Assessment Year: 2017-18 बनाम M/S Cnb Finwiz Private Limited, Additional/Joint 302-303, Emca House 23/23B, Vs. Commissioner Of Income Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi. Tax (Appeal)-1/ Pan No.Aabcb2613A Acit, Circle 6(1), Delhi. अपीलाथ" Appellant ""यथ"/Respondent

Section 250

software required for mortgage guarantee business in India. The Ld. AR further argued on the basis of various case laws that computer software cannot work in isolation and it has to be loaded on computer, so it is a part of computer and depreciation is allowable ... interpretation, we find that the relevantentry under old appendix I Clause III (5) states computers includingcomputer software and the Notes under the Appendix defines'computer software' in Clause 7 to mean any computer programrecorded on disc, tape, perforated media or other information storagehttp://www.judis.nic.in device. Noteworthy to mention that thenotes

Bharti Telemedia Limited, New Delhi vs. DCIT, Circle-4(2), New Delhi

In the result, the appeals of the Assessee are allowed and appeals of the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 624/DEL/2024[2021-22]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi12 Dec 2025AY 2021-22

Bench: Shri C.N. Prasad & Shri M. Balaganesh

Section 35ASection 4

this section, ………….. (aa) "industrial undertaking" means any undertaking which is engaged in- (i) the manufacture or processing of goods; or (ii) the manufacture of computer software; or (iii) the business of generation or distribution of electricity or any other form of power; or (iiia) the business of providing telecommunication services ... ship, with another company. Industrial undertaking is defined to mean any undertaking which is engaged in the manufacture or processing of goods or computer software, the business of generation or distribution of electricity or any other form of power, mining or the construction of ships, aircrafts and railway systems. With

DCIT, Circle 4(2), New Delhi vs. M/S Bharti Telemedia Ltd, New Delhi

In the result, the appeals of the Assessee are allowed and appeals of the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 4966/DEL/2024[2020-21]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi12 Dec 2025AY 2020-21

Bench: Shri C.N. Prasad & Shri M. Balaganesh

Section 35ASection 4

Bharti Telemedia Limited, New Delhi vs. DCIT, Circle-4(2), New Delhi

In the result, the appeals of the Assessee are allowed and appeals of the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 4960/DEL/2024[2020-21]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi12 Dec 2025AY 2020-21

Bench: Shri C.N. Prasad & Shri M. Balaganesh

Section 35ASection 4

DCIT, Circle 4(2), New Delhi vs. Ms Bharti Telemedia Ltd, New Delhi

In the result, the appeals of the Assessee are allowed and appeals of the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 4868/DEL/2024[2016-17]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi12 Dec 2025AY 2016-17

Bench: Shri C.N. Prasad & Shri M. Balaganesh

Section 35ASection 4

Qualcomm Incorporated, San Diego, California vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax Circle 3(1)(1), New Delhi

In the result, the appeal of the assessee for AY 2022-23 is allowed for 14

ITA 2087/DEL/2025[2022-23]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi10 Dec 2025AY 2022-23

Bench: Shri Vikas Awasthy & Shri M. Balaganesh

For Appellant: Shri Nishant Thakkar, AdvFor Respondent: Shri M. S. Nethrapal, CIT DR

Section 115ASection 143(3)Section 144C(5)Section 153Section 234BSection 270ASection 9

royalty on patents relating to intellectual property for manufacture of CDMA handsets and equipment and does not relate to royalty on licensing of any computer software. The OEMs received no income from licensing in computer software. The OEMs sells handsets/equipments to the service providers, outside India and hence the OEMs ... consequence post this amendment as the transfer of any rights in an intellectual property includes transfer of any right to use of a computer software irrespective of the medium through which it is transferred. 166. In a nutshell the submissions of the Revenue are that Qualcomm has made available

Qualcomm Incorporated, San Diego, California vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax Circle 3(1)(1), New Delhi

In the result, the appeal of the assessee for AY 2022-23 is allowed for 14

ITA 2086/DEL/2025[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi10 Dec 2025AY 2018-19

Bench: Shri Vikas Awasthy & Shri M. Balaganesh

For Appellant: Shri Nishant Thakkar, AdvFor Respondent: Shri M. S. Nethrapal, CIT DR

Section 115ASection 143(3)Section 144C(5)Section 153Section 234BSection 270ASection 9

Outsystems Singapore Pte. Ltd., Singapore vs. DCIT Circle 2(2)(2) (International Taxation), New Delhi

In the result, appeal of the assessee is allowed

ITA 1601/DEL/2025[2022-23]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi10 Dec 2025AY 2022-23

Bench: Shri Vikas Awasthy & Shri M. Balaganeshआअसं.1601/धिल्ली/2025(नि.व. 2022-23) Outsytems Singapore Pte. Ltd., 41-01, 8 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec Tower Three, ...... अपीलार्थी/Appellant Singapore 389980 Pan Aadco-0528-P बिाम Vs. The Deputy Commissioner Of Income Tax, Circle International Tax 2(2)(2), Civic Centre, ..... प्रनिवादी/Respondent Minto Road, New Delhi 110002 अपीलार्थी द्वारा/ Appellant By : Shri Ajit Jain & Ms. Shivangi Chitlangia Chartered Accountants प्रधिवािीद्वारा/Respondent By : Ms. Ekta Jain, Cit(Dr) सुिवाई की निथर्थ/ Date Of Hearing : 03/12/2025 घोषणा की निथर्थ/ Date Of Pronouncement : 10/12/2025 आदेश/Order Per Vikas Awasthy, Jm: This Appeal By The Assessee Is Directed Against The Assessment Order Passed U/S. 143(3) R.W.S. 144C(13) Of The Income Tax Act,1961 (Hereinafter Referred To As ‘The Act’) Dated 10.01.2025, For Assessment Year 2022-23. 2. The Assessee In Appeal Has Raised As Many As 13 Grounds. The Ld. Counsel For The Assessee At The Outset Submitted That He Is Not Pressing Ground No. 4 Of Appeal Assailing Validity Of The Assessment Order Without Din. In Light Of The 2 Statement Made By Ld. Counsel For The Assessee, Ground No. 4 Of Appeal Is Dismissed As Not Pressed.

For Appellant: Shri Ajit Jain & Ms. Shivangi ChitlangiaFor Respondent: Ms. Ekta Jain, CIT(DR)

Section 14Section 143(3)

there is no transfer of copy right or knowhow. The end customer is only granted a non-exclusive and non-transferrable license or use computer software. No right has been granted to sub license for transfer, nor there is any right to reverse engineer, modify, reproduce in any manner otherwise ... contained in section 14(a) and 14(b) of the Copyright Act but is a license which imposes restrictions or conditions for use of computer software. No specialize knowledge or skill is imparted to the customers. The ld. Counsel further submits that there is no right to modify

Bhavana Co-Op Credit Society Niyamita, Sirsi vs. Income Tax Officer, Ward-1, Sirsi

In the result the appeal filed by the assessee is allowed

ITA 1074/BANG/2025[2020-21]Status: DisposedITAT Bangalore03 Dec 2025AY 2020-21

Bench: Shri Prashant Maharishi & Shri Keshav Dubeyassessment Year : 2020-21

For Appellant: Sri V. Srinivasan, A.RFor Respondent: Sri Shivanand H Kalakeri, D.R

Section 142(1)Section 143(2)Section 143(3)Section 263Section 80P(2)(a)Section 80P(2)(i)

view of aforesaid enunciation of law, the facts of the case may be seen. The assessee is engaged in the business of computer software development and services. The expenditure incurred in foreign currency on traveling, professional charges and onsite service charges are for development of software at clients site outside

Gonikoppal Primary Rural Agricultural Credit Co-Operative Society Limited, Kodagu vs. Pr. Commissioner of Income Tax, Bengaluru-3, Bengaluru

In the result the appeal filed by the assessee is allowed

ITA 1072/BANG/2025[2020-21]Status: DisposedITAT Bangalore03 Dec 2025AY 2020-21

Bench: Shri Prashant Maharishi & Shri Keshav Dubeyassessment Year : 2020-21

For Appellant: Sri V. Srinivasan, A.RFor Respondent: Sri Shivanand H Kalakeri, D.R

Section 142(1)Section 143(2)Section 143(3)Section 263Section 80P(2)(a)Section 80P(2)(i)

Bny Mellon International Operations (India) Pvt Ltd, Pune vs. I.T.O, CPC Bangaluru, Bangulure

In the result, both appeals of the Assessee are allowed for statistical purposes

ITA 2707/PUN/2024[2022-23]Status: DisposedITAT Pune26 Nov 2025AY 2022-23

Bench: Shri Manish Borad & Shri Vinay Bhamore

For Appellant: Shri Nitesh S. Joshi, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri Amol Khairnar, CIT-DR

Section 143(1)Section 143(1)(a)Section 143(3)Section 234CSection 250

Auditor” and “the details filed in the income tax return” and based on such observations and the commands given in the computer software, on which the CPC runs and processing of the returns is carried out, the impugned adjustment/ addition of Rs. 38,10,67,339/- has been made

Bny Mellon International Operations (India) Pvt Ltd, Pune vs. I.T.O, CPC Bangaluru, Banguluru

ITA 2706/PUN/2024[2021-22]Status: DisposedITAT Pune26 Nov 2025AY 2021-22

Bench: Shri Manish Borad & Shri Vinay Bhamore

For Appellant: Shri Nitesh S. Joshi, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri Amol Khairnar, CIT-DR

Section 143(1)Section 143(1)(a)Section 143(3)Section 234CSection 250

IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL PUNE “A” BENCH : PUNE BEFORE SHRI MANISH BORAD, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER & SHRI VINAY BHAMORE, JUDICIAL

DCIT, New Delhi vs. M/S American Express (India) Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi

In the result, cross appeals are partly allowed

ITA 4295/DEL/2009[2003-04]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi26 Nov 2025AY 2003-04

Bench: Shri Vikas Awasthy & Shri Avdhesh Kumar Mishraआअसं.4295/िद"ी/2009(िन.व. 2003-04) Deputy Commissioner Of Income Tax, Circle 1(1), R. No. 390, Central Revenue Building, ...... अपीलाथ"/Appellant New Delhi 110002 बनाम Vs. American Express (India) P. Ltd., First Floor, Mercantile House, 15, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110001 ..... "ितवादी/Respondent Pan: Aaaca-8163-F आअसं.4240/िद"ी/2009(िन.व. 2003-04) American Express (India) P. Ltd., First Floor, Mercantile House, 15, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110001 ...... अपीलाथ"/Appellant Pan: Aaaca-8163-F बनाम Vs. Joint Commissioner Of Income Tax, Circle 1(1), Central Revenue Building, ..... "ितवादी/Respondent New Delhi अपीलाथ" "ारा/ Appellant By : Shri Nishank Vashitath, Advocate "ितवादी"ारा/Respondent By : Ms. Monika Singh, Cit(Dr) सुनवाई क" ितिथ/ Date Of Hearing : 17/11/2025 घोषणा क" ितिथ/ Date Of Pronouncement : : 26/11/2025

For Appellant: Shri Nishank Vashitath, AdvocateFor Respondent: Ms. Monika Singh, CIT(DR)

Section 10ASection 10BSection 80H

deduction is allowable only on profits and gains derived by a 100%export-oriented undertaking from the export of articles or things or computer software. The expression derived from used in section 10B(1) of the Act has to be construed strictly when applied to exemption and tax benefits. Therefore ... such profits and gains as are derived by a hundred per cent export-oriented undertaking from the export of articles or things or computer software for a period of ten consecutive assessment years beginning with the assessment year relevant to the previous year in which the undertaking begins to manufacture

American Express (India) Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi vs. JCIT, New Delhi

In the result, cross appeals are partly allowed

ITA 4240/DEL/2009[2003-04]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi26 Nov 2025AY 2003-04

For Appellant: Shri Nishank Vashitath, AdvocateFor Respondent: Ms. Monika Singh, CIT(DR)

Section 10ASection 10BSection 80H

Birlasoft Limited, Pune vs. DCIT, Circle 8, Pune

In the result, the appeal filed by the assessee is partly allowed for statistical purposes

ITA 1116/PUN/2023[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Pune24 Nov 2025AY 2018-19

Bench: Shri R. K. Panda & Ms. Astha Chandraassessment Year : 2018-19 Birlasoft Limited Dcit, Circle – 8, Pune 35 & 36, Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Vs. Park, Phase-1, Midc, Hinjawadi, Pune – 411057 Pan: Aaack7308N (Appellant) (Respondent) Assessee By : Shri Kishor B Phadke Department By : Shri Amol Khairnar, Cit-Dr Date Of Hearing : 30-09-2025 Date Of Pronouncement : 24-11-2025 O R D E R Per R.K. Panda, V.P: This Appeal Filed By The Assessee Is Directed Against The Order Dated 23.08.2023 Of The Ld. Cit(A) / Nfac, Delhi Relating To Assessment Year 2018-19. 2. Facts Of The Case, In Brief, Are That The Assesse Is A Public Limited Company & Is Engaged In The Business Of Computer & Software Services. It Filed Its Return Of Income On 29.11.2018 Declaring Total Income Of Rs.95,13,15,400/-. The Return Was Processed By The Cpc & An Intimation U/S 143(1) Of The Income Tax Act, 1961 (Hereinafter Referred To As ‘The Act’) Was Passed On 25.01.2021 Determining The Total Income At Rs.1,00,23,03,750/-. The Case Was Selected For Complete Scrutiny Assessment Under The E-Assessment Scheme, 2019 On The Following Issues:

For Appellant: Shri Kishor B PhadkeFor Respondent: Shri Amol Khairnar, CIT-DR

Section 10ASection 10A(3)Section 143(1)Section 143(2)Section 27Section 36(1)(va)Section 51Section 80ISection 90

attributable to the delivery of the articles or things outside India or expenses, if any, incurred in foreign exchange in rendering of services (including computer software) outside India;’ 10.16 From the above, it becomes clear that there was no condition applicable for the year under consideration to bring foreign exchange

Sap India Private Limited, Bangalore vs. Jurisdictional Assessing Officer - Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax Circle 6(1)(1), Bangalore

The appeal of the assessee is allowed to the extent indicated above

ITA 1519/BANG/2024[2020-21]Status: DisposedITAT Bangalore17 Nov 2025AY 2020-21

Bench: Shri Prashant Maharishi & Shri Soundararajan K, Jm

Section 143Section 144BSection 144C

drawn our attention to the adjustment of trading of software segment comparable post DRP direction at serial No. 5 of the table wherein the computer, software Ltd has been shown the weighted average margin of 10.68%. The learned authorised representative stated that this margin is the Consolidated margin ... held that as per the annual report the companies engaged in business as my, sale, lease, install, import and export all kinds of computer software, software technology and hardware technology and to carry on the business of consultancy and training in relation to software and hardware technology in respect thereof

M/S.Ibs Software Services P. Ltd, Trivandrum vs. The DCIT, Trivandrum

ITA 601/COCH/2017[2013-14]Status: DisposedITAT Cochin13 Nov 2025AY 2013-14

Bench: SHRI INTURI RAMA RAO, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER SHRI RAHUL CHAUDHARY (Judicial Member)

For Appellant: Shri Rajakannan, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri Sanjit Kumar Das, CIT-DR

Section 143(3)Section 144CSection 144C(5)Section 36(1)(iii)Section 36(1)(va)Section 92C

India ("STPI) and Special Assessment Year 2013-2014 Economic Zone ("SEZ"). The Assessee, a company engaged in the business of development and sale of computer software, filed return of income for Assessment Year 2013-2014 on 27/11/2013 declaring income at INR.56,96,08,040/-. The return of income was selected

Highradius Technologies Private Limited, Hyderabad vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Circle -2(1), Hyderabad

ITA 436/HYD/2024[2020-21]Status: HeardITAT Hyderabad12 Nov 2025AY 2020-21

Bench: Us:

Section 143(1)Section 143(3)Section 144B

Assessee company is to carry on the business of designing software development, software maintenance and support services the areas of computer networks, computer software and hardware, data communication equipment, पैectronic equipment, radio and wireless communication product and equipment wireless telecommunication 13 HighRadius Technologies Private Limited equipment of every description. Thus ... company has significant intangibles, we note that the value of intangibles assets shown in the balance sheet (Note 3.(ii) -Page 74) represent the computer software. The value of intangible assets as on 31-3-2020 was only Rs. 3462.77/- lakhs (page no 90 of AR) as against total revenue